The following section looks at what the legal situation is if you’re moving out, are being evicted or want a housemate to go. This is the most difficult time in any share house and it helps to know what your rights are.

Whatever the problem, it’s always best to try and work out a solution together rather than having to go to the Tribunal. In law the relationship between head-tenant and subtenant is the same as that between landlord and tenant, which means that there are notice periods for your protection, but of course it’s not the whole story. You are rarely friends with your landlord; you rarely live with them and share the kitchen everyday!

If you can’t resolve the problem try to negotiate a date to move out that suits everybody. A community justice centre may be able to assist with your negotiations (see Contact Points).

Quick links:

• Scenario 1: Your landlord terminates the agreement
• Scenario 2: You want to leave
• Scenario 3: A housemate moves out leaving you to pay all the rent
• Scenario 4: You want your housemate to leave
• Scenario 5: Your housemates are trying to kick you out